Quote of the Day: Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it’s not real? Professor Albus Dumbledore to Harry Potter in book seven, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. One of my favorite lines in all of the books, and I’ve read them all. The Harry Potter series, written by J.K. Rowling, is a family favorite. We were one of those families that read the books together and impatiently waited for the next one to come out. We own all of the movies, and they evoke many happy memories of watching them together as a family, something that appealed to all of us. I’m so sad that Rowling, herself, broke that magic just a little by saying hurtful words about people in the transgender community. In her books, she shows marginalized people, groups that are hated for who they are, and yet, she added fuel to the fire of hate towards people who live in the real world. I don’t understand it. I never will. This is a time where you have to separate the art from the artist if you still want to step into that magical world. She created characters that millions of people love and put them in a fascinating world. Considering how many people are flocking to see this play that continues the story of Harry and his friends, the magic of her world continues to spark imagination, and perhaps spread some good in the world, too, if we can all learn to accept people for who they are. 

Cast of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, National Tour. Photo: Matthew Murphy

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is written by Jack Thorne, based on a story conceived by Rowling, Thorne, and John Tiffany, who also directed it. We own the book/script of that one, too. In it’s original form, it’s a two-part play that runs about five hours. The touring show is a combined version that runs almost three hours. With the special effects and character driven storyline, those three hours fly by. I brought my castmate from my play It’s Murder, Dontcha Know. It was his first time at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, and what a grand first experience! He said that it’s easily one of the best theater experiences he’s ever had, and “The illusions were top-tier.” Audiences are asked not to give out spoilers, so I’ll keep it brief. It blew our socks off! 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, National Tour, Nick Dillenburg as Harry Potter and Adam Grant Morrison as Albus Potter. Photo: Evan Zimmerman

Minnesota native Nick Dillenburg plays a sweet Harry Potter. He’s a dad, now, and not always understanding of his teenage son Albus. He’s someone who tries to shy away from the spotlight, but is ever in it’s glow. His son is not impressed. Albus Severus Potter is played by Adam Grant Morrison. He might be trying a little too hard to not be like his dad, until he has a mission of his own to pursue. In an interesting generational twist, he becomes friends with his dad’s arch-enemy’s son, Scorpius Malfoy. David Fine is delightful in this role. I enjoyed the connection between the two characters, the humor, and their bond. 

They have a spoiler alert on the cast list page warning people not to read further if they don’t want to know exactly which characters make an appearance. Suffice it to say, most of your favorites are there. The characters we watched grow up are now parents, and their kids are having the adventures. I spent some time imagining the original actors playing these parts. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, National Tour, Julia Nightingale, David Fine, and Adam Grant Morrison. Photo: Evan Zimmerman

Fans of the Harry Potter book series and movies will not be disappointed in this stage production. It carries through the characters into new adventures and places in life. It offers up so much theatrical magic that you won’t be able to tear your eyes away from the stage. It includes dramatic music and movement. Everything that happens is precise choreography. I found the moving staircase scene quite impressive. And, really, all of it. Changes from character to character, walls shifting, and a dizzying effect for time shifts seemed so realistic.

You can see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on tour at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN through May 17, 2026. Go to Hennepin Arts for tickets and showtimes. For tour stops in a city near you, go to Tour Dates Harry Potter & the Cursed Child. Also, visit that site for the extensive list of cast and crew. It takes a tremendous amount of people and expertise to pull off a production of this magic and size. 

Go. Create. Inspire!

And, if you’re so inclined to support people who are pushed to the margins of society, I’m borrowing this suggestion from my friend Rob at The Stages of MN:

My fellow Twin Cities theater blogger over at Cherry and Spoon suggested that, even though our tickets were free, we could offset our attendance by donating the cost of those tickets to an organization that supports and protects the transgender community. So I’ve made a donation to Transforming Families equivalent to the full cost of the tickets.

Transforming Families is a Minnesota-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides:

  • Monthly support groups for youth and caregivers
  • Educational and social events that build confidence and connection
  • Advocacy and outreach to create safer schools and communities
  • Family mentorship to help relocating families build supportive networks

Journaling Prompt: Who do you see as a marginalized person or group of people? How can you help them live a safe and fulfilling life free from harm and hate?